Dear SCUPA members,

With confidence and on the behalf of the State SCUPA Executive Committee, I would like to welcome you to a new academic year. I want to share with you some recent developments that have occurred with SCUPA. Last weekend I received news from our President Larry Watts that he has decided to resign the President position of SCUPA because he is unable to fully perform his presidential duties. Larry has served our members for decades with his proven commitment to the members of SCUPA. He believes it is in the best interest of SCUPA to resign at this time, so our organization can move forward.

As your Vice President, with confidence I have accepted the role as President. In my most recent election bio, I indicated that in the past few years I have been preparing for an executive role. I bring to you my leadership: my formal education in Labor Relations, past union staff experience, my higher education experience as the Kutztown University Campus Representative, and my hands on experience as a recent 2012 graduate from the National Education Association’s Emerging Leadership Academy.

In my first few days as your President, I was charged with the task of filling three executive committee vacancies: Vice President that was vacated by myself, Secretary because in the beginning of this school year Amber Sherman Racchini left the bargaining unit at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and the vacant Member at Large position that was vacated by Larry Watts when he became President.
I am amazed with the commitment and willingness of current and past SCUPA leadership who have extended their expertise, history, and willingness to assist in our transition. To find the words to express the strength and commitment of our SCUPA members can be best described as “Inspiring.” I reviewed and consulted with our seasoned State SCUPA leaders and with our due diligence we reviewed our by-laws. I am pleased to share with you that all three appointments have accepted with eagerness to join the new SCUPA Executive Committee.

Vice President- Brian Graham, Slippery Rock
“I am privileged and honored to serve you in the capacity of Vice President. I have been an active member since my inception at Slippery Rock University in 1997. I have filled numerous roles while a member who include member at large and interim campus president. I am self-taught regarding reclassification procedures and grievances, and very knowledgeable about these processes. I have always been a vocal voice as a SCUPA member and I will continue to have the same mentality and fortitude as I represent all members of SCUPA. Thank you and I look forward to working with you.”

Secretary- Betsy Clark, California
“Betsy Clark has been SCUPA campus president at Cal U for about two years and a SCUPA member since hired. She has served on hiring committees, University Forum, as well as the Chair for the University Budget Committee. She has experience in grievances and appeals and formed two SCUPA member run committees on campus for grievances and classification. Betsy is passionate about the role of SCUPA and serving the members.”

Membership at Large-Rick Dulaney, California
“Rick Dulaney has agreed to accept the appointment of member-at-large. Rick has been an active member of SCUPA since 1992. He has served as SCUPA Vice President and Treasurer for many years. He continues to be a PSEA, Southern Region Representative to PAHE (Pennsylvania Association of Higher Education) and PSEA, Inter-Group Relations Commission.”

I would like to welcome Brian, Betsy, and Rick to SCUPA’s executive team and applaud their commitment in serving our SCUPA members in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania effective 9/24/2012.

With Solidarity,

Frances C. Cortez Funk
President SCUPA PSEA/ NEA